The Toronto Blue Jays wrap up their Sunday afternoon home slate on September 27, 2026, hosting the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre for a 3:07 PM ET first pitch. Max Scherzer gets the ball for Toronto against Cincinnati left-hander Brandon Williamson. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings picture, and the Jays will be looking to close out this home matchup with a win in front of their Rogers Centre crowd. Coverage is available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, with radio on SN590 THE FAN.

Pitching Matchup: Max Scherzer vs. Brandon Williamson

Scherzer on the mound is always an event. The veteran right-hander brings decades of big-game experience to a late-September start where the Jays need every quality outing they can get. Scherzer's ability to command multiple pitches and work deep into games gives Toronto a genuine advantage at the top of the rotation when they need it most.

Williamson is a left-hander who will be tasked with quieting a Blue Jays lineup that features a balanced mix of veterans and emerging contributors. His ability to generate weak contact and work both sides of the plate will be tested against Toronto's offence from the first inning.

Toronto Blue Jays Starting Lineup

• 1. George Springer — DH
• 2. Brett Bateman — RF
• 3. Kazuma Okamoto — 3B
• 4. Charles McAdoo — 1B
• 5. Davis Schneider — LF
• 6. Brandon Valenzuela — C
• 7. Myles Straw — CF
• 8. Andrés Giménez — SS
• 9. Ernie Clement — 2B

Keys to Watch in Sunday's Game

Scherzer's Command and Pitch Count

The biggest storyline on the Toronto side is simple: how deep can Scherzer go? A long, efficient outing from the veteran would preserve the bullpen heading into the final stretch of the regular season. If he can work into the seventh inning, the Jays are in a strong position to win this ball game.

Williamson Against Toronto's Middle of the Order

Kazuma Okamoto batting third and Charles McAdoo cleaning up at cleanup represent a genuine test for the Cincinnati starter. How Williamson handles those two at-bats in his first time through the order will set the tone for Toronto's offensive output. Davis Schneider hitting fifth adds another left-handed threat that Williamson cannot afford to overlook.

George Springer Setting the Table

Springer at the top of the lineup is exactly where Toronto wants him on a Sunday afternoon at home. His ability to get on base and disrupt opposing pitchers early gives the middle of this order a chance to do damage. A productive Springer at-bat in the first inning changes the entire complexion of the game.

Defence Up the Middle

With Myles Straw in centre, Andrés Giménez at short, and Ernie Clement at second, the Jays have legitimate range in the infield and outfield. Against a Cincinnati lineup that will look to put the ball in play, that defence could prove decisive in keeping Scherzer's pitch count manageable.

Prediction

Scherzer at home in late September is a tough assignment for any visiting club. Cincinnati will compete, but Toronto's pitching advantage at the top of the rotation is real. Expect a tight, well-pitched game that the Blue Jays take by a score of 4–2, with Scherzer delivering seven innings of work and the Rogers Centre crowd sending the home side off with a Sunday win.